A New Zealander who had fallen ill from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos has now returned home, authorities have confirmed. No other details were given about the tourist, who is among several that fell sick or died in recent weeks after consuming what may have been tainted drinks in Laos.

T he death of six tourists visiting Laos is suspected to be the result of mass methanol poisoning, after all are believed to have consumed alcoholic drinks tainted with the toxic substance. With officials issuing fresh warnings about the dangers of ingesting methanol, here’s what you should know about what it is and how it affects the body.

Police in Laos have arrested eight people over a suspected mass methanol positioning that killed six people earlier this month. A British woman, two Australian teenagers, an American and two Danes died last week after drinking tainted alcohol at the NANA Backpackers Hostel in the popular backpacker town of Vang Vieng.